Watch: Earth to Erikka
05/2022
![Erikka on the ascent to the climbing destination](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fl595fda2nfqd%2F4vmp4BNVCPmiiM2K9FaTf%2F4ce60937fb5b3749644fab602947c4dd%2F211103_3558_Eric_Bissell.jpg&w=4096&q=75)
When the earth speaks to you, what do you hear? Punctuated by the footprints of lives once lived, the colossal landscape of the Grand Canyon provides a remarkable backdrop for the search for new perspectives.
Video Cheyne Lempe
Photo Eric Bissell
![Two Mammut-equipped hikers with backpacks and hiking poles walking along a trail, enjoying a stunning sunrise view of a canyon.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fl595fda2nfqd%2F1XipPuEd17P0sPygQIpTTn%2F364b0d4e12f564ef56700763de6e33ea%2F211103_3454_Eric_Bissell.jpg&w=4096&q=75)
For many, moving through immense landscapes gives us the chance to reflect and connect. But there’s something special about the Grand Canyon that creates an especially profound perspective. For thousands of years, life in this harsh environment has flourished and forged unique connections. Even now, these ancient voices from the earth still echo around the red canyon walls. Follow 2021 Reach Your Peak winner Erikka Olsen as she takes on her dream of climbing Mount Hayden in the Grand Canyon, and shares what voices from the past can teach us about our present selves.
![Erikka climbing on the rock](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fl595fda2nfqd%2F5h86lslo6fnxb2iZMFXLrk%2Fd46dac398b50070ce6ca621349ef39f1%2F211102_3206_Eric_Bissell.jpg&w=4096&q=75)
![Erikka stands on a summit with Mammut equipment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fl595fda2nfqd%2F42E0dzZKG6vXSTd5SE4wgR%2F79f64ca58e05aa25a3e23bbcfe39a7fd%2F211102_3248_Eric_Bissell.jpg&w=4096&q=75)
![Mountain panorama](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fl595fda2nfqd%2F2Bod8riittOFlbA4rhcBnJ%2F6093757e20f20ccb03d1ef5baa70536e%2F211105_4003_Eric_Bissell.jpg&w=4096&q=75)
“You get a glimpse into a past ecosystem and what life was like hundreds of millions of years ago.”
![Erikka sorts climbing equipment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fl595fda2nfqd%2F6oNHndwokkzpxal6v78h3T%2Fa1729191a62e2273f70849666e2969b5%2F211102_3174_Eric_Bissell.jpg&w=4096&q=75)
“The Grand Canyon is really a healing, special place for me.”Â
Every climber has their dream peak and, in 2021, Erikka Olsen’s touching words about Mount Hayden over video call had us hooked. Last July, Erikka was selected from over 2200 participants from over 60 countries as the winner of the Reach Your Peak competition. To help make her climbing dream come true, we threw our support behind Erikka as she took on Mount Hayden, andsent a film crew along to capture the adventure. Thanks for sharing your story and for giving us the chance to come along for the ride, Erikka.